Rose Tattoo – one of Australia’s most revered rock bands – is hitting the road tonight to celebrate the band’s fourth album as it approaches its 40th anniversary – 1984’s Southern Stars.
This extensive tour will see them plays dates across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia – wrapping up with what is sure to be one hellava massive gig at Brisbane’s The Zoo on November 26.
These shows are about much more than just an album for singer Angry Anderson. “This new tour will be under the banner of our Southern Stars, a flag, an idea and a legacy that is dear to my heart,” Angry explains.
The songs on the album were inspired by the Eureka Stockade, the miners uprising in Ballarat in 1854 – the most-celebrated rebellion in Australian history.
“It has always been an important moment in our history and the true and deep meaning it holds, for me, has only always been about the place it holds in our history of growth as a nation, regardless of others that have sought to appropriate or ‘own’ those stars and that flag,” Angry says.
“My loyalty has always been to those wonderful words of the diggers’ oath:
‘We swear by the Southern Cross, to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties.’
“It was in that spirit that those songs were written, that album recorded, and those songs will be played.”
Produced by the legendary Vanda & Young, Southern Stars featured the hit single ‘I Wish’. Two more singles were lifted from the record – ‘Freedom’s Flame’ and ‘No Secrets’. On this tour, Rose Tattoo will be playing the songs from the album, alongside other classics from their catalogue, including ‘Bad Boy For Love’, ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw’ and ‘We Can’t Be Beaten’.
The Southern Stars album finishes with ‘The Radio Said Rock ’n’ Roll Is Dead’. But Rose Tattoo – who are closing in on their 50th anniversary – are proof that rock ’n’ roll is very much alive and kicking.
And the Southern Stars message remains timeless. “Freedom, our rights and liberties must never be taken for granted,” Angry says.
“We are, I believe, once again involved in the struggle to defend, retain and exercise those precious attributes. So, Brothers and Sisters, let Freedom’s Flame burn!”
“Rally ’round the flag boys, rally ’round and cheer” – ‘Southern Stars’
ROSE TATTOO – SOUTHERN STARS TOUR 2023
For tickets and more information: www.rosetattoo.com.au
